Residences for Women in Transition
A critical part of the process of moving to sobriety is the movement to housing upon completion of the residential phase of treatment. This is also a time with one a significant chance of relapse. The success or failure of clients hinges on their ability to adapt to the unstructured world into which they have moved. They must learn to separate themselves from past contacts that may wish to re-enter their lives.
They must also manage their day, plan their finances, search for jobs or educational opportunities and deal with being a mother with children in school. In many cases, the lack of employment or educational involvement creates boredom and a sense of isolation that draws them back to their old ways. It should be noted that the lack of financial resources creates pressure on the women to return to criminal activity as a source of support for their children.
In order to reduce the risks associated with this critical period, a transitional phase of treatment needs to be added that will provide intensive support for reintegration into the job market, parenting skills, learning self care, building relationship skills, supporting educational capacities, sobriety support, spiritual development, trauma informed therapy and financial counseling.
In order to properly execute the transitional phase, First Step Home sought to develop a new facility tailored to meet the demands of reintegration. Our board and staff researched locations and options for over a year before finding the perfect facility. In late February of 2004 the property at 2217 Fulton became available. It was purchased in March of 2004 and the architectural plans for the project were completed in August of 2004. The facility is designed as a multi-family residence that can house ten women in three apartments. The location is within easy walking distance (three houses) of the current facility, is on the bus line and has green space for the women to use for gardening and child play areas. In August of 2005, the first six women moved to the new building and opened a new era for First Step Home.
